Elderly protester attacked on Conroe bridge, suspect jailed

Authorities say a San Jacinto County woman recovered after someone battered her on a Conroe overpass Sunday morning while she protested.

During a solo banner protest on the North Loop 336 bridge over Interstate 45 around 10:30 a.m., the Conroe Police Department said Patty Anderson, 69, was assaulted by another lady.

Police Chief Jon Buckholtz said Christina Michelle Hiller, 40, was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree criminal harm to an elderly person with intent to inflict significant bodily injury. Montgomery County court records identify Hiller as homeless and in jail on a $100,000 bond. She's due in the 221st District Court on June 9.

Anderson's protest was reported to a nearby Conroe police officer, who intervened.

Anderson stated the woman's inquiries regarding her possessions intensified the interaction. “She asked, ‘Where is your phone?’” Anderson stated. Anderson refused; the woman allegedly grabbed her possessions and hit her violently. “Pummel, pummel, pummel,” Anderson said of the attack.

The guy also claimed to have a box cutter, police said. The neighboring cop quickly pulled the suspect off Anderson and arrested her.

Buckholtz said authorities don't think the attack was political, and the suspect may have had mental health issues.

Anderson had informed police about her criticism of Trump policies, Epstein files, and Project 2025. She removed her Trump mask and wore an orange jumpsuit before the assault.

She had a fractured nose, black eyes, edema, wounds, and bruises. She was released from a Conroe hospital the next day.

“I lived; that was important,” Anderson added.

Anderson complimented the officer's rapid response and the responders' aid in preventing further harm. She said she is healing at home and gradually returning to normal life.

Anderson hopes to rally with We Rise Up supporters later this month despite the attack. Since then, group members have fed and helped her recuperate.